Aviation and Spaceports Office

Awards Program

Overview
Each year the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) presents awards honoring superior achievement in the categories of Aviation Professional of the Year, General Aviation Airport of the Year, Commercial Service Airport of the Year, Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year, and General Aviation Airport Project of the Year. FDOT also awards individuals for distinguished aviation service.

Any airport official, local or federal government official, consultant, contractor, industry partner, or FDOT staff who wishes to nominate a person, airport, or project may submit a nomination to the attention of the Aviation Communications Manager.

All nominations must be received by FDOT no later than May 31st to be considered for that year. FDOT presents an award certificate honoring the recipient in each category at the annual conference of the Florida Airport Council, held each summer.

Award winners are featured annually in FDOT’s quarterly newsletter, The Florida Flyer. Click on The Florida Flyer to download copies of the newsletter.

Aviation Professional Of The Year
Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office considers individuals for the Aviation Professional of the Year award. Aspects of aviation to be considered for the award include technological research or advancement, airport management, airport construction or maintenance, airport design, air safety, aviation legislation, and Florida aviation business.

To nominate an individual, please download a nomination form, and complete the general information section. Use the narrative section to describe how this individual has been active in Florida aviation during the year prior to the nomination, and has made a significant contribution to Florida aviation over a period of years.

General Aviation Airport of the Year
Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office considers airports for the award of General Aviation Airport of the Year. Eligible nominees for this award must be a public-use general aviation airport within the state of Florida. The award is based on the categories of Safety, Aesthetics, and Airport Management.

The Safety category considers approach standards for each active runway, the primary surface for each active runway (cleared and mowed), the general condition of each runway surface, including no edge drop-offs greater than three inches, the security of the airfield, and proper and correct airfield signage and marking.

The Aesthetics category takes into account the general appearance of the airport and the impression left from arrival or departure by both air and ground, including building appearance, landscaping, grounds maintenance, access roads, and parking areas. The Aesthetics category also takes into account the professionalism of airport staff and privately contracted services such as fixed-base operators, emphasizing friendliness, courteousness, cooperation, and overall efficiency.

Under the Airport Management category, airports are recognized for their innovative programs, active participation by airport management in maximizing services to travelers, the airport’s financial stability and ability to optimize resources, knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations, and completeness and financial feasibility of Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program data. Airports are also judged on the adequacy, currency and degree of compliance with their airport master plan.

To nominate one of Florida's airports as General Aviation Airport of the Year, please download a nomination form, complete the general information section, and use the narrative section to describe how the airport excels in the categories of Safety, Aesthetics, and Airport Management.

Commercial Service Airport of the Year
Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office considers commercial service airports for the award of Commercial Service Airport of the Year. The award is based on the categories of Safety, Aesthetics, and Airport Management.

The Safety category considers approach standards for each active runway, the primary surface for each active runway, the general condition of each runway surface, the security of the terminal and airfield, the airport’s emergency procedures, facilities, and equipment, and proper and correct airfield signage and marking.

The Aesthetics category takes into account the general appearance of the airport and the impression left from arrival or departure by both air and ground, including building appearance, landscaping, grounds maintenance, access roads, and parking areas. The Aesthetics category also takes into account the professionalism of airport staff, emphasizing friendliness, courteousness, cooperation, and overall efficiency.

Under the Airport Management category, airports are recognized for their innovative programs, active participation by airport management in maximizing services to travelers, the airport’s financial stability and ability to optimize resources, knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations, and completeness and financial feasibility of Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program data. Airports are also judged on the adequacy, currency, and compliance with their airport master plan.

To nominate one of Florida's commercial service airports as Commercial Airport of the Year, please download a nomination form, complete the general information section, and use the narrative section to describe how the airport excels in the categories of Safety, Aesthetics, and Airport Management.

Airport Project of the Year
Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office considers aviation projects to receive Airport Project of the Year honors. To be considered for the Airport Project of the Year award, a project must meet the following three criteria: demonstrate exceptional professional skills and represent a significant contribution to airport development, sustainability, efficiency, capacity, and/or safety; be a project funded under the FDOT Aviation Grants Program (it must have a financial management number); and be completed in the state fiscal year in which it is nominated.

Nominated projects should meet or exceed one or more of the following success factors: contributes to the mobility of people and goods; contributes to the well-being of people and communities; overcomes challenges presented by the project; demonstrates resourcefulness in planning; demonstrates pioneering use of material, equipment, and methods; positively contributes to the physical environment and aesthetic value; and/or displays cost-effectiveness.

To nominate a project, please download a nomination form, complete the general information section and use the narrative section to describe how this project meets the above criteria.

Distinguished Aviation Service Award
Each year, the FDOT Aviation and Spaceports Office considers individuals for the Distinguished Aviation Service Award, which can be awarded to more than one person in a year. Aspects of aviation to be considered for the award include dedication to Florida aviation, airport management, airport construction or maintenance, airport design, air safety, aviation legislation, and Florida aviation business.

Eligible nominees for the award must meet the following criteria: the person has retired or will retire within a year of the award presentation; the person has made significant contributions to Florida aviation and the community; the person has exhibited outstanding dedication to Florida aviation during their career; and the person has demonstrated exceptional professionalism through leadership and resourcefulness.

To nominate an individual for the Distinguished Aviation Service Award, please download a nomination form, complete the requested general information section and use the narrative section to describe how the individual meets the above qualifications.